Voluntary Recall of Certain Model Year 2013 32 and 34 Evolution Series forks with 120mm – 160mm of travel with an open cartridge damper

Over the last couple of days Fox Racing Shox issued a voluntary recall of certain model Evolution forks (all the details are below). We've just spoken to the New Zealand distributor and they had a few points to add. Firstly, if you have had your CTD damper replaced in an affected fork already (leaking oil or not performing properly), then you won't need to have your fork recalled as the faulty part will have already been replaced. Secondly, if your fork is part of the recall the chance of losing the front wheel is insanely remote. The likelihood of this happening is very small, as the damper cartridge is the part in question. A person would also have to also break the left side assembly for the fork to come apart.

If your fork is in need of the replacement part, either your local bike shop can do it or they can send it back to the Fox distributors for you. If you have any questions (after reading the below information) you can email them here.

FOX has initiated a voluntary recall of certain model year 2013 Evolution Series forks manufactured between March 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012. Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Specified FOX Model year 2013, 32 and 34 Evolution Series Forks having 120-160mm of travel

UNITS: About 40,000 units total worldwide, of which about 12,500 were sold in the U.S. and Canada.

MANUFACTURER: Fox Factory of Scotts Valley, CA

HAZARD: The fork damper cylinder / piston assembly in some of these units may separate and allow the fork to over-extend under certain circumstances, possibly causing the front wheel to detach from the bicycle while in use, creating a fall hazard.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: FOX has received one report of an incident in which a broken damper may have caused the fork to over-extend and allow the front wheel to detach.

DESCRIPTION: The recall involves certain Model Year 2013 32 and 34 Evolution Series bicycle forks with 120mm-160mm of travel with an open cartridge damper. Follow the steps in the instructions below to identify if you have an affected fork.

SOLD: As original equipment on 2013 model year Specialized, Trek, Scott, Kona, Cannondale and various other brand bicycles and as aftermarket equipment.

MANUFACTURED IN: The forks affected by this recall were assembled in Fox’s Watsonville, CA facility.

REMEDY: If a consumer suspects that their fork may be within this recall then he or she should stop using their fork immediately until a final determination is made as to whether their fork is affected. To make that determination, consumers should follow the directions below to locate the ID Code and Serial Number, and with that information use the recall web page (http://ridefox.com/recall) to receive a determination of whether their fork is within the recall. If the fork is within the recall range, the consumer should cease using the fork immediately and contact Fox. The consumer will receive a free upgrade damper for the recalled fork, to be installed by Fox or by a qualified retailer. If the fork is not within the recall range, the consumer may continue using the fork.

The next step, if your fork is identified as possibly needing an upgrade, will be to locate the serial number stamped on the underside of the crown. You will need to remove your front wheel to get this information. You may also need to clean this area depending on your bike's use. If it's a remote fork, you'll need to remove the cable hanger to see the entire serial number. Please also note that the numbers 0, 3, and, 8 can look very similar.

If you can confirm that your Evolution Forks are subject to this recall, please contact FOX for instructions to arrange a free repair. Please also contact FOX if you are unable to utilise the interactive upgrade instructions on the web: